Nigeria Placed on Moderate Alert for Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) as Global Cases Rise

Nigeria is at moderate risk of the Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) – a common respiratory virus that can infect people of all ages, a dynamic risk assessment conducted on Monday, January 6, 2025, has revealed. The virus, currently circulating in China and other affected regions of the world, can cause illnesses ranging from mild cold-like symptoms to severe respiratory infections, particularly in, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems

The risk assessment carried out by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), in collaboration with international partners including the World Health Organisation (WHO), the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (USCDC), and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), is a comprehensive evaluation that will serve as a crucial guide for Nigeria’s preparedness efforts and development of effective response strategies to mitigate the potential impact of HMPV in the country.

The Director-General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, who disclosed the development in a statement and public health advisory, also declared as false reports of the WHO declaring HMPV a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), stating that such reports should be disregarded.

Giving an update of the current situation in the country, Idris explained that all ports of entry into Nigeria have been placed on alert even as the agency is proactively implementing measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness and response capacity against the threat of the HMPV.

On the preparedness measures in place, he said the agency is closely monitoring the situation and has implemented actions to ensure public health safety.

“Nigeria operates a National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance (NISS) system, comprising sentinel sites distributed across the six geopolitical zones of the country. These sites, which include tertiary and secondary health facilities, monitor Influenza-like Illnesses (ILI) and Severe Acute Respiratory Infections (SARI).

“As of January 6, 2025, data from this surveillance system does not indicate any unusual increase in respiratory infections, including those caused by Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). However, given the global trends in HMPV cases, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) is proactively implementing measures to strengthen the country’s preparedness and resp7onse capacity.”